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Article
Oxidation kinetics of biochar from woody and herbaceous biomass
Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Chad A. Peterson, Iowa State University
  • Robert C. Brown, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Accepted Manuscript
Publication Date
12-1-2020
DOI
10.1016/j.cej.2020.126043
Abstract

The goal of this study was to determine oxidation kinetics for biochar produced from fast pyrolysis of various biomass feedstocks. In particular, the role of inherent ash content on the oxidation rate was evaluated. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and fluidized bed combustion experiments were used to explore oxidation kinetics of six fast pyrolysis produced biochars with diverse ash content. Reaction rates varied by a factor of three under chemical kinetic-limited conditions, demonstrating inorganic content impacts oxidation rate. Chemical kinetic rate coefficients were proposed as a function of compositional parameters to determine overall fit and impact. Potassium content was found to have a positive correlation, best describing the differences in the oxidation kinetic rate coefficients. Additionally, feedstocks were subjected to a 1 M HCl acid wash mitigating the catalytic activity of the metals. Acid washed biochars had lower oxidation kinetic rates compared to their unwashed counterparts, indicating the removal of catalytically active metals reduced oxidation rate. Gas composition (CO/CO2) was measured during fluidized bed experiments for both acid-washed and unwashed biochars, which varied between the six biochars. Formation of CO2 was greatly affected by catalytic metals, finding potassium content to correlate well with a higher percentage of CO2 formation as compared to CO. Comparison of oxidation rates were made between the two experimental apparatuses to measure the effect of attrition on biochar oxidation.

Comments

This is a manuscript of an article published as Peterson, Chad A., and Robert C. Brown. "Oxidation kinetics of biochar from woody and herbaceous biomass." Chemical Engineering Journal 401 (2020): 126043. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.126043. Posted with permission.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International
Copyright Owner
Elsevier B.V.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Chad A. Peterson and Robert C. Brown. "Oxidation kinetics of biochar from woody and herbaceous biomass" Chemical Engineering Journal Vol. 401 (2020) - 126043
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/robert_brown/150/